Dark-capped Bulbul

Afrikaans name: Swartoogtiptol

Dark-capped Bulbul

Photo © Steven Herbert

Pycnonotus barbatus

The Dark-capped Bulbul is probably better known by its former name of Black-eyed Bulbul. It is also sometimes called a Common Bulbul.

They are a common sight in gardens, parks and other habitats. It is not found in drier habitats.

Besides their black head, one of their distinguishing features is the yellow patch under the tail, although this is found on other similar bulbuls as well.

Dark-capped Bulbuls love fruit but they also eat nectar and insects. Seeds and spiders are also eaten.

They have a cheerful call and they are often seen in pairs.

The Dark-capped Bulbul makes its nest in dense foliage and will lay 2 to 3 eggs. The Jacobin Cuckoo parasitises them.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 220

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 72

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 72

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 102

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 162

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 74

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 184

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 55

Everyone's Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 21

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 154

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 184

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 102

Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 90

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 220

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 306

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 306

Newman's Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 70

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 226

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 372

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 384

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 498

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 493

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 298

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 312

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 121

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 146

List of South African Birds